Monday, October 9, 2023

Monday prior to Proper 23

 

Isaiah 61:10; Antiphon, Psalm 146:2

The Gospel reading for next Sunday (Matthew 22:1–14) is the parable of the Wedding Feast, and the Introit helps establish a theme, by bringing in images relating to a wedding and the wedding garments. It speaks of us being clothed with garments of salvation. This same sort of imagery is used in Revelation, when it is said that the saints clothed in white robes have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. This is rich sacramental imagery, portraying Baptism; the parable of the Wedding Feast has similar sacramental imagery, but that of the Lord’s Supper, the Sacrament of the Altar.

In describing the clothing of our salvation Isaiah describes them as being covered with the robe of righteousness, and a headdress of jewels fitting for a bridegroom bride and a priest.  Isaiah pointed the people living in captivity to Christ who would come as their Savior, priest and King.  It is this same Jesus who would declare in the synagogue at Nazareth, "today is this prophecy fulfilled in your ears." By faith you are able to declare, He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation and hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Soon and very soon we shall see Him, who was wounded for their transgressions and bruised for their iniquities. For this reason we praise Him consciously for He has cleansed us of our sin, and covered us in a robe of righteousness for His name's sake. What a cause of great joy and rejoicing to know that the gifts of God are glorious and without number.

Collect for Psalm 146God of glory and power, happy indeed are those who have put their trust in you. Shine the brightness of your light upon us that we may love you always with a pure heart and praise you forever; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Image of All Saints copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Collect for Psalm 146, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol.II © 1995 American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 


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